BRTC buses are emitting harmful black smoke, threatening public health. Officials urge immediate upgrades, strict enforcement of vehicle policies, and driver training to reduce pollution and improve road safety.
All buses of the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) emit black smoke, raising serious environmental and public health concerns, according to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Speaking at the inauguration of a skill development and noise pollution awareness training for professional drivers and transport workers, organized by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) at the BRTC Training Institute in Tejgaon, Hasan said, “Let me be frank. Every BRTC bus emits black smoke. Maintenance is crucial and BRTC bears a major responsibility. Old buses should be upgraded immediately.”
Hasan criticized the delay in finalizing the government’s long-pending vehicle scrap policy, stressing that strict action against polluting vehicles is necessary to protect public health. She also highlighted that the training program aims to teach drivers responsible driving habits, including reducing unnecessary horn use, which she said would lower accident rates.
Bangladesh faces growing urban air pollution and road safety challenges, and officials stress that immediate action is essential to protect public health and improve city livability.
At the event, Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, echoed the concerns, warning that Bangladesh is lagging behind on key urban and environmental indicators. “Air pollution, environmental degradation and road safety are all in critical condition. Development in name alone has pushed the country backward,” he said.
Kabir Khan emphasized driver training over mere enforcement, noting that while traffic laws exist, proper education and skill development are essential to prevent accidents and reduce pollution. He also criticized excessive horn use, explaining that in many countries honking is considered disrespectful, highlighting the need for behavioral change among drivers.
The event was attended by senior officials, including BRTA Chairman Abu Momtaz Sad Uddin Ahmed, BRTC Chairman Abdul Latif Molla, Environment Ministry Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed and representatives of transport workers and owners’ associations.
